Cuba's inclusive culture extends to disabled travelers, and while facilities may be lacking, the generous nature of Cubans generally compensates when it can. However, with battered buses, potholed sidewalks and poorly maintained buildings, some of which haven't been renovated since the s, independent travel can be difficult for people with physical challenges.
Many older buildings in Cuba don't have elevators or, if they do, they are regularly out of order. Similarly, public buses lack facilities for the physically impaired. For comfort and reliability, modern Cubataxis are the best way of getting around. Steps and curbs are a perennial problem.
Ramps are often not available and, when they are, they can be ridiculously steep. Only the more expensive hotels offer specially designed accessible rooms. If it's your first time in Cuba, it might be better to book into an all-inclusive resort that caters for physically challenged travelers.
Sight-impaired travelers will be helped across streets and given priority in lines. Etecsa phone centers have telephone equipment for the hearing-impaired, and TV programs are broadcast with closed captioning. Cuba is safer than most Latin American countries. Indeed, in , it was voted the safest country in the world for tourists at a conference in Madrid. Violent attacks are extremely rare and city streets are generally chilled, even after dark.
Be aware of the following. Students who can provide proof of enrollment at a Cuban university or college for a minimum stay of six months should be issued with a carnet — the identification document that allows foreigners to pay for museums, transport including colectivos shared taxis and theater performances in Cuban pesos CUP. All embassies are in Havana, and most are open from 8am to noon on weekdays. Australia is represented in the Canadian Embassy. New Zealand is represented in the UK Embassy.
